Mathematics

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Just getting started?

Start by doing some background research. Take time to engage in some brainstorming exercises that will help you identify key subject terms. Encyclopedias and other reference resources can be used to help you refine your subject terms and the citations in these sources can be used to find more information on your topic.

Consider how much time you have to complete your assignment and how hard it will be to get the resources you need for your topic. If you are finding your research difficult to manage, narrow your topic or break your research down into manageable sub-topics. If you are not finding enough information on your topic, try using broader subject terms.

The books in the library are organized by subject. You can browse these call number areas to find related books. So, if you are searching the library catalog and find a book that looks interesting or particularly relevant to your research, you can search the shelves in the library in the same call number area to find related items.

The reference collection is located at the back, right-hand side of the library. Items in this collection cannot be checked out, but a copier is conveniently located so you can make copies of the resources you find.

To search the Library Catalog for reference books about Mathematics, go to www.lonestar.edu/library and select "Advanced Search" on the "Catalog" tab. Enter "Mathematics" or a related subfield into the "Subject" field and then limit your search by selecting "Collection: Reference Books" from the Collections/Media menu.

To limit your search to items located at Montgomery Library, select "Location: LSC-Montgomery" in the Locations menu.

To search the Library Catalog for books about Mathematics, go to www.lonestar.edu/library and select "Advanced Search" on the "Catalog" tab. Enter "Mathematics" or a related subfield into the "Subject" field and then limit your search to items you can check-out by selecting "Collection: Circulating Books" from the Collections/Media menu.

To limit your search to items located at Montgomery Library, select "Location: LSC-Montgomery" in the Locations menu.

To search the Library Catalog for e-books about Mathematics or a related subfield, go to www.lonestar.edu/library and select "Advanced Search" on the "Catalog" tab. Enter "Mathematics" or a related subfield into the "Subject" field and then limit your search to items you can check-out by selecting "Collection: Electronic Books" from the Collections/Media menu.

To limit your search to items available to Montgomery Library patrons only, select "Location: LSC-Montgomery" in the Locations menu.

To search the Library Catalog for books about Mathematics, go to www.lonestar.edu/library and select "Advanced Search" on the "Catalog" tab. Enter "Mathematics" or a related subfield into the "Subject" field and then limit your search to items you can check-out by selecting "Media: Videos, DVDs, films, slides, etc." from the Collections/Media menu.

To limit your search to items located at Montgomery Library, select "Location: LSC-Montgomery" in the Locations menu.

Periodicals

The periodical section is located in front of the circulating collection, next to the outdoor patio area. The periodical collection is organized by title. These items cannot be checked out, but there is a copy machine available adjacent to the periodical section.

Some of the items listed above are available electronically and can be accessed by following the links provided. Review the "Database Tips" section below for more information about accessing the electronic form of these journals from home.

Requesting items not available at Montgomery Library:

If there is an item listed in the catalog, but it is not located at Montgomery Library, just select the “Request First Available Copy of this Item” button from the catalog record to have the item sent to Montgomery Library for pick-up. To complete your request, you need your library barcode and PIN number. Generally, your PIN number is the last 4 digits of the phone number you used to register for classes. If you have problems requesting an item, contact the Circulation Desk in person, at 936.273.7387 or email mclr@lonestar.edu

If the item is not available in the catalog:

Just select the “Requests” tab located in the upper, right-hand side of the screen. Complete and submit the Inter-Library Loan Request Form – LSCS. Contact a librarian if you need help!

Finding the right database:

If you’d like to explore a subject area: Access the Research Databases: www.lonestar.edu/library -> Find Articles Tab -> Select a category that is relevant to your topic.

If you know the title of the journal you’re looking for, use the A to Z Electronic Journal Search to find out which database provides access to that journal: www.lonestar.edu/library -> Find Articles Tab -> A to Z Electronic Journal Search -> Select “Search” tab

If the full-text/PDF version of an article is not available, select the “Check LinkSource for more information” link to see if another database offers full-text access.

Accessing Databases from Home:

You can access these databases from home using your library barcode number. If you have problems accessing the databases, contact the Circulation Desk in person, at 936.273.7387 or email mclr@lonestar.edu

Interlibrary Loan (ILL):

If you are not able to find a resource that you need in the databases or in the library catalog, you can request the item via the Interlibrary Loan Form: http://www.lonestar.edu/library/interlibrary-request.htm

Scholarly, Peer-Reviewed Sources

Scholarly articles are written by an authority on the subject and are meant to share primary research with others in the field. Unlike popular sources, scholarly sources generally have a narrow audience and include a clear author or sponsoring association. These documents are very structured and usually include a literature review, methodology, and extensive citations. Many scholarly sources are also peer-reviewed which means others in the field reviewed the work before it was published. Many databases will allow you to limit your search to scholarly and/or peer-reviewed sources – look for this option.